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Open Poetry #32
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Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

0 posted 2004-06-09 06:45 PM


Adrift - With Dignity

The tributes of music lending the way
Leading, perhaps, my aimlessness;

You were there for me in my middle youth
I trusted the sound of you, even then;

And when they poked fun, that an actor
Could not lead, I remember thinking…

“You led them in every storied line…”

And we needed a sort of Camelot again, it had been
That long.

You balanced the fear;
The joy, however,
Spread across your face,
And when you smiled?

It was airborne – adrift – nomadic in its search
To seek those who would smile with you, even at you.

I remember Battle Creek, and the train, when you
Waved on to those who would help
Your progression to a win…

And you did.

I think I know now, why I have been
Adrift this week;

Because we started losing you ten years ago;
Today…
We celebrate your life;
And your deeds.

Thank you, Mr. President,
You served your country
In your poetry of soul.

~*~

Ronald Wilson Reagan
1911-2004

© Copyright 2004 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved
icebox
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383
in the shadows
1 posted 2004-06-09 06:59 PM


He really was an amazing mix of human qualities.

He had a child's vision for cutting through complexities when it was needed and the wisdom to hire people who could get the job done.

I told my young daughter (15) that he defeated the Soviet Union with the most powerful tool created in the 20th century.  She of course asked what that was.  I told her it was his credit card.  She is still working on that one.

For all his ups and downs, his love for the USA never waivered.

Larry C
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since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
2 posted 2004-06-09 07:08 PM


Very nice indeed. May he rest in peace. Thanks Karilea.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Nightshade
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just out of reach
3 posted 2004-06-09 07:56 PM


He was a gentle man and he and his wife Nancy, will always be thought of in admiration.

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
4 posted 2004-06-09 08:02 PM


This has me in tears
Thank you, dear poetess, for this warm and lovely tribute.
You have touched me
Liz

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
5 posted 2004-06-09 08:45 PM


Sunshine, every word.....appreciated by me beyond measure.  Like you, I met him when I was 17 along the campaign trail in Ohio while he was still Governor of California.  That was in the late 60s.  I won't say who I campaigned for (because he turned out to be an embarassment in the end) -- but President Reagan, the day I met him, gave the most inspiring speech I have ever heard.  He glowed golden -- that is what I remember most.  As he was leaving the infamous Golden Lamb surrounded by us, he came over and kissed me on the check.  I thought I had been touched by an angel, truely.  He touched so many, many people the same way.  I truly believe he was a gift from God, a man of destiny, for our time.  Thank you for penning this; I can find no sufficient words.   .....jo
passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
6 posted 2004-06-10 02:02 AM


very touching
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

7 posted 2004-06-10 07:49 AM


you know, just goes to show you, even the president is a human being...sometimes I believe we think of them as God's and they are not.  They do the best they can, and this fella surely projected his amazing gentlemanly forte across our hearts.  

I am touched also, by his wife's delicacy, yet strength, her lady like qualites which speak dignity, courageous and elegant.  She project an unspoken courtesy.  They were both very successful Sunshine.  

I love this poem and you for such an elegant dedication, as only you could do.

Good day to you Lady and thank you for sharing

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

8 posted 2004-06-10 07:50 AM


wonderful tribute to a fine man Karilea.
Good morning.

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
9 posted 2004-06-10 09:10 AM




~Rest in peace Mr. President~

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
10 posted 2004-06-10 10:39 AM


I think I know now, why I have been
Adrift this week;

Yes... that loss is there, whereever we are... whatever we're doing.

This is incredibly beautiful, Sunshiney One... I don't think a tribute could be finer.

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
11 posted 2004-06-10 10:59 AM


a wonderful write, Karilea

M

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
12 posted 2004-06-10 11:09 AM


Excellent Karilea...
kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
13 posted 2004-06-10 01:13 PM


How deeply felt are your thoughts and well addressed.  KJ

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

14 posted 2004-06-10 01:23 PM


a lovely, poignant tribute...done in classic Sunshine grace.
Sadelite
Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519

15 posted 2004-06-10 01:54 PM


Yes...You expressed it perfectly, Sunshine.
He was an amazing man whose positive thinking glowed.  His wife, too.  What wonderful role models and guides for our country.
                 Sadelite

Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
16 posted 2004-06-10 02:08 PM


very graceful, indeed...

regards
sudhir

Ericc
Member Elite
since 2003-01-31
Posts 4178

17 posted 2004-06-10 04:18 PM


Beautiful tribute.

Eric

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